Mikael Move

Mikael D'Haguenet has been nibbled at in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle betting on Betfair ever since stablemate Hurricane Fly was rated as doubtful for the rest of the season, and he currently trades at 30-1 for the race on the exchange.

He has been matched as high as 649-1 for the Champion Hurdle on Betfair - though one punter has 50p at 999-1 - and £253 has been matched on the Ballymore winner at 300 or bigger.

Hurricane Fly currently trades at 74-1.

Betfair spokesman Tony Calvin commented: "Some Betfair punters were quick to latch on to the possibility of Willie Mullins drafting in substitutes Mikael D'Haguenet and Quevega as soon as Hurricane Fly's problems were revealed last month, and that pair were immediately backed at massive three-figure prices.

So while the move for Mikael D'Haguenet has gathered some minor momentum since other bookmakers have quoted him in the past 48 hours, the move is effectively two weeks old.

"In truth, I think the value may long been sucked out of this particular betting angle. But this is clearly an open year and he currently trades at 25-1, so that may still tempt some.

"I suspect he might drift back out again though, if running plans from the Mullins stable aren't forthcoming sooner rather than later."